Brent Burns Ties Chris Chelios for 10th All-Time in NHL Defenseman Scoring
Brent Burns ties Chris Chelios for 10th place on the NHL‘s all-time scoring list among defensemen after reaching 948 career points. The Colorado Avalanche veteran reached 948 career points Thursday night, matching the Hall of Famer’s total and adding another milestone to his remarkable NHL career.
Burns reached the mark with an assist in Colorado’s 7–3 victory over the Calgary Flames on October 8, 2026. The 41-year-old veteran now needs just one more point to move ahead of Chelios.
Brent Burns Ties Chris Chelios at 948 Points
The milestone came at 9:41 of the third period when Burns picked up the secondary assist on Jaden Schwartz‘s second goal of the game. The goal extended Colorado’s lead to 7–3 and gave Burns another place in NHL history.
With 273 goals and 675 assists, Burns has matched Chelios at 948 career points. Chelios reached that total during a legendary 26-season career that included stops with the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers.
Another Milestone in a Remarkable NHL Career
Originally drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2003, Burns developed into one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive defensemen during his years with the San Jose Sharks. He won the Norris Trophy in 2017 and later played for the Carolina Hurricanes before joining Colorado. With his trademark bushy beard, missing front teeth and unmistakable appearance, Burns has become one of the NHL’s most recognizable personalities.
Burns has also established himself as one of hockey’s most durable players. In April 2026, he became the first defenseman in NHL history to play 1,000 consecutive regular-season games, adding another achievement to a career spanning more than two decades.
Now in his 23rd NHL season, Burns continues to climb the record books. His next point will move him past Chelios and into sole possession of 10th place among the highest-scoring defensemen in NHL history.
